Square Books to Host Reading of Late Author Brad Watson’s Posthumous Collection on July 16, Celebrating the Master Storyteller’s Legacy

Square Books to Host Reading of Brad Watson’s Posthumous Collection on July 16 at 5:30pm

Fans of the late author Brad Watson gather for a literary celebration

On Friday, July 16, at 5:30 pm, Square Books will pay tribute to the late author Brad Watson by hosting a reading of his posthumous collection titled, There Is Happiness: New and Selected Stories. The event promises a delightful and profound exploration of Watson’s never-before-read stories and will take place at the offbeat bookstore, Off Square Books.

There Is Happiness: A Unique Look into Brad Watson’s Narrative Craft

Brad Watson was known for his distinctive storytelling style and compelling portrayal of Southern life. His posthumous collection, as outlined by author Joy Williams, embraces dark humor, heart-wrenching narratives, and a touch of the unpredictable. In the words of Williams, the collection is “a generous portion of the work of a swiftly passing lifetime.”

Watson was a prolific writer with a strong literary foundation rooted in the Southern landscape, who successfully escalated his stories from regional tales to universal narratives of human condition. This comprehensive collection, There Is Happiness: New and Selected Stories, is a testament to his literary genius and his rare ability to layer mirth and desolation in the same paragraph.

Brad Watson: A Literary Luminary

Watson, born in Mississippi in 1955, was the 2004-2005 John and Renee Grisham Writer in Residence at the University of Mississippi. In his distinguished career, he authored two highly acclaimed novels, The Heaven of Mercury and Miss Jane, and two collections of stories, Last Days of the Dog-Men and Aliens in the Prime of Their Lives.

His works have been longlisted and shortlisted for the National Book Award, International Dublin Literary Award, and the PEN/Faulkner Award, among others. He was also the recipient of numerous literary honors, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and the Award in Letters granted by the American Academy of Arts and Letters. In addition to his writing, Watson also devoted his time to teaching creative writing at institutions as esteemed as Harvard University and the University of Wyoming, Laramie.

A Tribute to a Master Storyteller

The reading will honor Watson’s rich literary legacy, bringing to life his masterful understanding of human vulnerabilities, dark comedy, and the unique traditions of Southern life. Fans of Watson’s work can expect to engage deeply with his stories’ mysticism as well as their undeniable grip on stark realism. The posthumous collection is set to reaffirm Watson’s place as a paramount figure within the canon of Southern literature.

Square Books, the event’s host venue, encourages all literature enthusiasts and followers of Watson’s work to participate in this grand showcase of There Is Happiness: New and Selected Stories.

There Is Happiness: A Celebration of Life and Narrative

Watson’s posthumous collection renews his enduring themes: the fragility of love, the bewildering beauty of nature, and the relentless march of time. As such, the event at Square Books stands as an homage to his writerly craft, his exploration of existential themes, and his singular narrative voice that continues to reverberate in the world of literature, even after his passing.